The design for the reconstruction of Monmouth County Bridge S-17, where West Front Street crosses the Swimming River, has received the Distinguished Engineering Award from the New Jersey Alliance for Action.

The bridge replacement project, located between Middletown and Red Bank, was recognized for its innovative engineering design, which is sensitive to the marine environment and minimizes impacts to the residents and businesses of the two adjacent municipalities.

The new bridge alignment will provide greatly improved roadway geometry and enhanced architectural features such as a brick facing and decorative lighting that tie the bridge to the aesthetics of the adjacent communities while minimizing the impact to the tidewater ecosystem.

The award-winning project was the result of a collaborative effort between the Monmouth County Engineering Department; French & Parrello Associates, the prime engineering design consultant; and the sub-consultant team members, including Parsons Brinckerhoff, Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants, Inc., and Richard Grubb & Associates.

Keith Smith, P.E., senior vice president of French & Parrello, accepted the award on behalf of the Monmouth County Engineering Department and the French & Parrello Design Team.

Franks Joins Heritage House SIR

SHREWSBURY – Mary Burke, president and broker of record, Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty, and Chris Doran, branch manager, have welcomed Blanche Franks to the Shrewsbury office.

A seasoned agent and accomplished professional, Franks’ accomplishments, awards and achievements are superior in the real estate industry. A licensed Realtor since 1976, she is a member of the Monmouth/Ocean County Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR), and the NJAR Distinguished Sales Club. In 1999, Franks graduated from the Real Estate Institute, earning her GRI certification. In 2000, she earned the certification of Certified Residential Specialist, CRS.

She was a perennial recipient of the NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award from 2002-2013 and during the 1980s and 1990s when it was called the Million Dollar Club.

A true Jersey girl, Franks settled in Monmouth County and later moved across the country to marry her husband Merv and then moved back to New Jersey. Merv, now Franks’ real estate partner, is a 29-year veteran sergeant of the California Highway Patrol. Franks describes him as a wonderful partner in real estate and a true team player.

When Franks and her husband are not working in real estate, they are giving their time and energy to charity organizations, raising funds or working to help the lost and lonely. Both feel very blessed in life and want to help provide for those who are less fortunate.

“There is no better job than a job you love, and I love real estate. Each day brings new customers and challenges; the job is never boring,” Franks said.

“Blanche Franks is an extraordinary and well-respected real estate agent in Monmouth County. We are delighted to have both Blanche and Merv join our team. Both their personal and professional talents are extensive and an asset to their clients; as well as our company,” Burke said.

Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty is an independently owned and operated full-service brokerage with four offices in Holmdel, Middletown, Rumson and Shrewsbury. The firm’s corporate headquarters is at 834 Broad St., Shrewsbury. Additional information is available by visiting the website at www.heritagehousesothebysrealty.com or calling 732-842-3434.

Brookdale’s Business Development Center Receives Award

LINCROFT – The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Brookdale Community College has been named a recipient of a Silver Gull Award for economic development by the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC).

The annual award recognizes outstanding work in economic development, community service and tourism. The NJSBDC at Brookdale was chosen for its commitment to helping small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs create and expand their business enterprises. This includes its ongoing efforts assisting businesses impacted by Super Storm Sandy.

In the aftermath of the storm, the center provided more than 870 hours of consultation services to more than 250 clients. Its efforts facilitated more than $4 million in total financing within the last nine months.

In addition, the NJSBDC at Brookdale became the host office for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Recovery Center.

“The NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College is proud to be recognized for our services as a business community leader,” said Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, director. “The MODC is a highly respected advocacy group and it is an honor to be acknowledged for our hard work and dedication in supporting our small business community during a challenging time for all.”

The center will receive the award during the 49th Annual Silver Gull Awards Dinner to be held Thursday, May 1, at Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune.

For additional information about the MODC or to purchase tickets, visit modc.com. For more information on the NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College, visit mosbdc.com.

Coldwell Banker Announces NJAR Sales Awards

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New Jersey announces its affiliated sales associates from Monmouth County who have earned the New Jersey Association of Realtors® (NJAR®) Circle of Excellence Sales Award® for their sales excellence in 2013.

“Agents recognized by NJAR as being among the Circle of Excellence have reached the pinnacle of the real estate industry in New Jersey,” said Hal Maxwell, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New Jersey and Rockland County, N.Y. “I am very proud of their accomplishments. Their expertise, experience and dedication are proven advantages for customers and clients.”

Below, by office, are the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage affiliated sales associates who have earned the NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award at the (starting with the highest) platinum, gold, silver and bronze levels for 2013. Also noted are the affiliated sales associates who have been named to the NJAR Distinguished Sales Club for having won the NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award for 10 or more years: